While some Aussie coppers are getting about in the new Holden Commodore Sportwagon, their British comrades will be welcoming the new Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer - along with the award-winning Insignia sedan - into the fleet.
The film and TV world might have gotten us used to seeing bobbies giving chase in under-powered Vauxhall Astra hatches, but the tables are set to turn, thanks to the 190kW 2.8 litre naturally-aspirated and 161kW turbo engines – not to mention the Insignia’s all-wheel-drive system. A 117kW diesel engine will be offered as well.
Astra who?
The new patrol units will include Mobile Data Terminal cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, a sleek set of blue-and-reds on the roof along with lamps for illumination.
“We believe the Insignia gives us a great opportunity for the UK Police vehicle market,” said Dick Ellam, GM UK Manager, Vehicle Conversions.
“Already we’ve had a great response from professional police drivers, who have compared its performance and handling characteristics to those of more expensive premium-badged vehicles used by some forces.
“In these tough economic times, when Police forces are spending public money, this makes the Insignia an even more appealing option.”
